Folks with jokes to tickle your funny bone

Jake Baylis, Trent Shand, Liam Grossmith, Fran Suitor and Rob Wilkinson are among the dozen or so stand-ups who will take to the stage for their shot at national comedic stardom in Launceston next week.

They will join thousands of hopefuls around the country as they vie for a spot in RAW Comedy 2014, the country's biggest open mic competition.

Regardless of whether they succeed or not, they will be a part of a new era of comedy for Launceston, as it is the first time the city has hosted its own heat in several years.

Judge and Launceston comedian Stewart Bell said RAW was a great starting point for exciting opportunities.

``It has been the launch pad for some of the biggest names in Australian comedy _ Chris Lilley, our own Hannah Gadsby and Luke McGregor,'' Bell said.

``A RAW heat in Launceston is great for the burgeoning local scene.

``We look forward to seeing some new faces gracing the stages of Launceston comedy rooms such as Fresh and Uber Comedy.''

The Launceston heat will be held at Fresh on Charles on February 13 from 7pm.

Those deemed the funniest will proceed to the state final, which leads to the national final, and the absolute champion will compete in a stand-up competition at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland.